. >> reporter: but it was a comment about israel and what he called the jewish lobby which intimidates capitol hill that angered many. >> this is an in your face nomination by the president to all of us who are supportive of israel. >> reporter: picking a republican to lead the pentagon makes strategic sense for the president with budget cuts looming. >> republicans don't really like chuck hagel. one of their own. >> chuck hagel busts the republican party establishment and opposing the war in iraq. there's no surprise. >> reporter: hagel has the most important supporter. >> i've served with chuck hagel. i know him. he's a patriot. >> reporter: the president will have a fight on his hands with this nomination and not just with republicans, with democrats as well who control the senate and the confirmation process. it's one of the reasons the white house was telling democrats up on the hill in the senate about this nomination, that it's coming down the road, trying to soften the blow. >> david kerley with a preview of the fight ahead this week. david, thank you. >>> an alabama teenager w